Eduardo de la Parra
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Major: BS Biology, Minor: German, Chemistry
Program: Burch Field Research Seminar in London: Science, Literaturen and Infectious Disease
Location: London, United Kingdom
Email: eeduardo@email.unc.edu
Term: Summer 2022
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
Ever since being admitted to UNC and learning about the great variety of study abroad opportunities, I knew it would be one of my main goals. After my first two years completing my major, I knew I wanted to go abroad in a program related to biology or science is some way. As a member of the Honors Program, I looked at the Honors Study Abroad programs first, and the Burch Seminar in London was the best option, as it helped me complete my last Gen-Ed requirements and one of my major classes. It was also a great opportunity to visit Europe for the first time, and London has a rich history I was interested in exploring.
What did you learn about yourself?
As a Mexican national, I learned a lot about European culture and traditions that go back hundreds of years, well before the birth of my home country. There is truly so much more to human history than was I was exposed to on this side of the Atlantic, and the development of human intellect and scientific research happened to a great extent in the United Kingdom, once the biggest Empire in the world. I became more in touch with my passion for architecture and history, both of which are very present throughout London.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories was definitely the last day of the program, when our whole class went on a private pod at the London Eye attraction and we viewed the entire London skyline with cookies. Meeting people from all over the world was also a great experience.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Your peers will be the best support you will have abroad. They are most likely other UNC students with similar goals and concerns about the trip, so always reach out, make plans together, and keep in touch. After all, they are the group of people who will be there during this amazing experience.
How do you identify?
Student of color, LGBTQ+, Covenant Scholars, Scholarship Recipient
Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
I was able to meet other people from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, which was very exciting.